Former Georgia Bulldog Lynna Irby-Jackson scored a gold medal for Team USA in the mixed 4×400-meter relay at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. This victory marked the opening day of the prestigious event, featuring a total of 22 current and former Georgia athletes and coaches.
Irby-Jackson, originally from Indianapolis, Indiana, showcased her talent by running the second leg of the relay. Alongside her teammates Bryce Deadmon, Jenoah McKiver, and Alexis Holmes, they achieved a notable time of 3:08.80. This relay, which debuted at the 2019 World Championships, uniquely combines both male and female athletes.
Current Georgia athlete Dejanea Oakley also made her mark as part of Jamaica’s relay team, which finished eighth in the first round.
The list of athletes from Georgia includes:
- Aaliyah Butler (400m, 4x400m, U.S.)
- Oakley (400m, mixed relay, Jamaica)
- Kelsie Murrell-Ross (shot put, Grenada)
- Manuela Rotundo (javelin, Uruguay)
- Maisvorewa Vimbayi (400m, Zimbabwe)
- Shaquena Foote (4x400m relay, Jamaica)
- Michelle Smith (400m hurdles, St. Croix)
- Maurice Gleaton (4x100m relay, U.S.)
Among the former Bulldogs competing are:
- Christopher Morales Williams (400m, Canada)
- Denzel Comenentia (hammer throw, Netherlands)
- Marc Minichello (javelin, U.S.)
- Kyle Garland (decathlon, U.S.)
Caryl Smith Gilbert, who recently received the National Coach of the Year award, leads the Team USA women’s squad. Her leadership is instrumental in nurturing talent and guiding athletes to success on the world stage.
Looking back, the World Championships have evolved into a significant event in athletics. In 1983, when the first championships were held, few could have anticipated the level of competition we see today. Now, it’s a showcase of global athletic prowess.
Recent statistics reveal that the popularity of athletics on social media has surged. A survey indicated that over 60% of fans now follow their favorite athletes online, which helps bring more attention and support to events like these.
As the competition progresses, fans can follow results and updates at georgiadogs.com and on social media platforms, where excitement around the events is palpable.
